A/N: I want to state a thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter, they made me so happy! This chapter had many tweaks to it and it took me awhile to figure out how this one would up. I'm a little nervous about this chapter, so please do tell me your thoughts when you are finished reading. It took me forever to put this together. So, let me stop blabbering and let you get on with the story.

Here we go...

Phase 7: Burning Flame. (switching out of Yuuai's point of view)

O.O

The day was planned out as usual, eating breakfast in the morning and training right after. The training finished early today which left her time to do whatever she wanted for the rest of the 24-hour interval.

She let her mind daze off while she watched the white puffs of a cloud pass through the lucid fuchsia skies which gave off a bittersweet glow to her skin. The evening was simply peaceful and pleasant.

'When will the day ever change?' She thought to herself, releasing a sigh and muttering something about being bored all the damn time. Okay, so her evening wasn't as pleasant the sky made it seem.

Things had to change in her view. If the days continued to stay the same then she might just consider of taking her leave from the Akatsuki household. Would they ever have something that satisfied her need of entertainment? Perhaps, not. But the hours were starting to take its toll on young Yuuai as she forcefully stared out the window.

The only time when she actually had fun was during training. Battles had become one of her most favorite hobbies or activities to do. Blood, guts, and fear stirred around in her mind when she was thrust into the strife.

As she stare at the clouds floating through the sky, her brain sent her waves of a memory. Yesterday... she remembered how her night ended...

Promise me something, Deidara-san.

It depends on what the promise is.

Always protect me?

Hmph, promise.

When he left, he gave her the usual smirk and patted the top of her head like a child. Oh, how Yuuai wished he didn't see her as such. All the guys in this place would tease her about the way she acts while in combat except Itachi: in their own way of teasing. Which pissed her off to the core, sending a signal to her brain to blow the whole house to ashes.

Yuuai, however felt that she was more than actions themselves, she wanted to be portrayed as strong and wise through not only act but with speech also. But only with age comes wisdom. Not everyone was old enough to be seen as well-advised anyway! That only accusation proved her wrong when she battled them.

More hours ticked away as the sun went down, hiding behind the horizon.

'The only thing to do now is sleep, I guess.'

Huffing and frowning to the belief, she nestled herself on the bedding. Over the years- it seemed like it actually soften up for her back.

Laying there for a good 10 seconds killed her mood. She was bored for crying out loud!!

The Akatsuki household was a place of torture or sheer hell in her mind. Living with a whole bunch of guys, never able to leave to the land, nothing to appeal her, not having one female to look up to in the house, staying in one room, what next?

To think of it... she never seen much of the house during the five years. Her room, the library, outside training grounds, and the hallways. Nothing new.

Deciding it was time to explore more of the damned vicinity, she shuffled her feet into her sandals and scoffed her way out of the empty area she currently slept in.

It was a little nerve-racking that she knew now, she had more freedom in the house. She ciphered that the guys including her relation, grant her approval of a small indefinite amount of freedom. Now that she's older and smarter not to flee like a silly fly. Looking to her left then her right. No one striding the hallways. Good. That would make it easier for her.

To the right was where the library resided and which the pathway to the outside training grounds formed. She didn't know whether to go near the study or to the mysterious left.

Maybe, the right would be interesting even though she had been over there already. Plus, the library would be abandoned for the evening, right? Time to read up on some books and snuggle near a warming fire.

And as she walked towards the study room, thoughts scattered throughout her small head. Could anyway be in there? Will it be? Even she couldn't come to a precise conclusion.

Her fingers ran along the wall, matching the pace she walked at and the fear that bubbled in her. She stopped when her feet met the shadow of a small fire- a few steps away. Oh so carefully and cautiously, Yuuai peaked her head in the library, searching for any possible members.

All hope disappeared. Her heart dropped along with her anticipation.

The "distant" cousin sat in a lounge chair with one leg crossed on top of the other, staring into the sparking fire. Something occupied his mind and it showed vaguely in his emotionless eyes. The glint of the fire gave a small flicker in his Mangekyo Sharingan eyes, making them look... worried somehow.

He turned his head to the entryway, examining his predictable cousin. What could she want now?

"Need something?" He blandly asked.

Yuuai quickly shook her head in a nervous manner and stood in front of the entrance. At this time, maybe he wasn't thinking of her as some "weapon" and perchance only as family? She wished he did. Perhaps a little family time was what they needed. To this thought, she decided to stay in the room with him, with his permission. "Itachi?"

He glared at her, making the girl tremble on the inside.

She bit her lower lip in horror of what she was about to ask him next but then overcame it. "Can I... join you?"

Itachi sighed and motioned for her sit across him in the other lounge chair. He was somewhat pissed. The evening was going nice and subtle until a "not-worth-killing" kin came in, disrupting all his thoughts and future plans. Hopefully, the girl wouldn't ask him any stupid questions. It was already bad enough that she sat across him. Why did he keep her alive?

Yuuai was lonely for the eve and thought that since she found her cousin in here alone, possibly they could spend it together? Or maybe that was a mistake?

A few minutes of silence checked aside.

What was she to talk about? Sasuke? Mother? Akatsuki? His cloak? The Mangekyo Sharingan? Ah, that was something of interest.

"So..." she hesitated before further speaking. "The Mangekyo Sharingan, you said that 'if I wanted to kill you' I had to obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan. How do I obtain that?" She mocked his tone when she spoke.

He noticed the preference she used when she communicated to him. Not one bit did he find it entertaining. To mock his person in such a way. "Do you find that amusing?"

Giggling, she responded in his same tone. "You did not answer my question."

Huffing somewhat he explained. "To obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan, you have to kill your best friend."

Her face went still. Breathing halt. Heart stopped. Kill your best friend? "You're telling me you killed your best friend, Shisui, the person who could possibly cheer you up when you needed it, the person who you could somehow relate to? You killed...?"

He expected for her to react in this style. She shouldn't have bothered him today. "Nothing in this world should stop you from something you bespeak of. You'll learn when the time comes."

She stayed silent, knowing not to say anything back to him- only keeping her comments to herself. To kill your best friend. It's wrong to take someone's life for selfish needs. Especially if you are close to them. He's still a high monkey pompous, hmph. But why does he seem so sad... his eyes.

Itachi focused his eyes on the vibrant fire, watching closely as the tiny illuminating sparks jumped in the cramped square-like hearth. His mind wandered off elsewhere.

Now she felt different towards her relative. She could tell something was wrong with him: on the inner surface, observing his eyes closely. Even though his eyes showed no emotion, deep down, through the cold, crimson boundary: he had to feel sorrow. That kind of experience had to have a rough effect on him. She actually... felt sympathy. Hate had turned into affinity. The death note she wished he received... no longer existed but only... he find a way to become at amends again with her and Sasuke and for everything condemnable he has done.

Rising to her feet and walking towards the exit, she knew it was her time to leave him to his thoughts. She looked over her shoulder and... smiled. He looked so peaceful and determined.

"Itachi."

He didn't react to her calling his name for his courtesy. Alternatively choosing to ignore her.

She knew he wouldn't acknowledge her. It was the attribute she stored in her memory; Itachi doesn't particularly care to notice her unless in battle. A heartwarming smile formed on her lips.

"I forgive you."

The word "forgive" and "you" registered themselves into his psyche. She'd forgiven him? For all he has done to her and for killing all of her friends and family? He looked up to see if she was still standing there in front of the entry but... to his surprise, she was gone.

A new feeling thumped in him. What was it? The feeling of being... gladiolus and at ease?! He didn't want to succumb to it but... for the first time in a long time, he tolerated an expression of little happiness to draw on his emotionless eyes.

O.O

Yuuai continued her journey of exploring the housing, turning to her left to see what resided down there.

A long and dark hallway was what it should be described as. Narrow, dark, and long. She passed by three doors and found herself looking at a open bedroom door.

The room was more inhabited than her own besides the fact that a person sleeps in there; futon, a night stand with a small lantern, and other furnishings a room would have. It was far better than her hell-hole of a room!

Her eyes zoomed in on the figure who was sleeping on the futon, searching for an answer of why his shirt was off. Creepy yet entertaining.

She tiptoed in the room, trying to suppress the sound of her footsteps as she cautiously crept closer and closer to the young lad. This should be amusing to her; messing with a person while sleeping.

Sweat forming. Nerves chatting. Curiosity growing. Signs that the girl was nervous about this. Yuuai practically gawked at his appearance. He looked so serene and friendly, sleeping in the futon like a big baby with his chest rising and falling along to his breathing patterns. She also noticed a seal placed upon his chest. What could be hidden away in him? The site left many questions forming in her head but would not bother to ask him of it.

'Is that a thumb in his mouth?'

The girl leaned in closer to see if her accusation was right. Yup, there was one thumb being sucked on viciously by his mouth and lips. The things people do when they're sleep. She couldn't help but wonder what he was dreaming about with his thumb in his warm cavern. Really she wished she was the thumb.

But that won't happen of course. How drastic?!

Yuuai lifted her hand and smacked his forehead softly, letting her "hired man" stay there for a bit as his eyelid "popped" open. She backed away from the article of furniture just enough for him fall out of the futon- that's if he will.

Immediately, he removed his end finger from his mouth and gasped, sitting up in his bed, not looking around. 'What the hell is going on?! Is it time for another mission already?!'

"Damn it, Sasori-danna! Could you be so..." He looked to his right to only see a little twelve year old girl grinning brightly at his reaction. He sighed heavily in relief. No mission... thank Kami.

She tried so hard not to laugh at what happened. His reaction was so funny to her! "Oi, Deidara-san..." and before she realized it, she exploded in laughter.

He smacked his forehead in embarrassment. "Yuuai, what the hell are you doing in here, yeah?" Finally, Deidara calmed down to ask the question.

Walking back and forth, crossing her arms, she spoke while smiling joyfully. "It seems that when you take a self-tour of this house in the evening when the sun is about to set; you can find a teal-eyed nin dozing off in his bedroom. Am I right?"

The blonde teen snorted. "Yeah. Got to get my 'beauty rest'." He turned over in the futon, having his feet touch the wooden floors. Deidara gestured for her to sit beside him.

Slyly, Yuuai stride gracefully towards his bed, beaming at him. She took her offered sit and looked up at her "protector". "Oi, sleepy head."

He placed both his hands on her shoulders and leaned in closer to ear, slowly speaking. "Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again." Then he pushed her back roughly, so she could lay down on the bed and he himself, stood up to dress himself of his cloak and fish-net tank top.

She watched him carefully. "Hey, you didn't have to be so rough on me, yeah!"

He turned around in a imitating manner, smirking. "Oh, to be a deadly weapon you have to take tiny crap like that., yeah. And don't copy me."

She huffed. "Fine. I was bored and just wanted to have some fun. Now you killed it." Yuuai laid on the futon, staring up at the ceiling. Bored yet again.

Deidara finished dressing himself and leaned against the wall to face the girl, folding his arms across his chest. "You're bored, yeah? Well, same here. Why do you think I sleep during the evening?"

Yuuai sat up. "Ah, so the artist confesses himself of being a subject to dissatisfaction."

He always wondered where she learned to speak like that, ever since he spoke to her on the day she "mistakenly" got her her thigh penetrated. Her thigh, the naked pale skin was a nice site to view closely. The feeling of the touch; soft, strong, and exquisitely feminine: even if she was 7 at the time, he couldn't help but to admire her young features and still she was a raven-haired beauty: a work of fine art. Where had she inherited such lovely attributes? Her cousin himself was singularly popular with the women but her, already at the age of 12 and has striking physical lineaments.

Developed a little over the years too with her small fleshy mounds and evolving curves. Okay, that wasn't expected in his mind. Now he thought he was becoming a hentai and hopefully not to turn on the dark side with the pedophiles. Although, 5 years of training nonstop with brief interruptions of rest? She couldn't have possibly gained so much femininity without toning muscles. But she did acquire much toning just with a hint of the womanly touches to the side.

Becoming a young woman, Yuuai. She's... different now to some degree. Simply, blooming into a delicate flower of transparent hope with a bang of toughness.

The young girl caught the glazed gaze of a definite blonde-nin. "Do you see something you like?" She said with a moving smile.

Yeah. "Just thinking, hmph." He plainly said, still soundlessly admiring her structured physique with his lone teal eye, smirking.

Yuuai found his presence and current status... uncomfortable to herself. He looked at her if he was going to... force her into something she wasn't capable of handling. It was downright creepy! A unwanted heat of cerise formed onto her cheeks as she dropped her head to stare at her now flustering hands, playing them in a circle of slow motion.

It was quite obvious the dark-crimson eyed girl was embarrassed and nervous for how he observed her in such a way. He couldn't blame her either. There were no plans to take the pureness from her. That would be wrong. Even if he could be sinister at times, that wouldn't be correct nor right.

Sighing and fixing his pose, he explained himself. "I'm not going to do anything todiscompose you, yeah. After all... I'm supposed to protect you from harm- not causing it."

She looked at the now standing-in-front-of-her-closely male and grinned quietly. He remembered. Never did she think he would in reality keep such a commitment. The thought was comforting. To know someone will be truehearted to their words and allegiance. Almost, too good to be true. It's like... a fairy-tale to her. Where the guard promises to protect the princess with all his strength.

Quite undaunted of her actions, she leaned her head forward and let the side of her face rest just above the area of his "associate". Her height was an inferior aspect to the growing body. She's so short compared to him.

His eye widened a bit as he looked down the at the missy, which rested her head against him, breathing softly. She was too close!! He kept himself under control, not letting a indisputable component of his anatomy become "winded up" to the gentle sense of touch. She had become comfortable around him, too comfortable.

The moment was soft, innocent, and stress free. Almost serene, which in fact it became.

Deidara felt an unusual feeling. It wasn't a intimate craving or a need of liberation or to swiftly move her away for her action was inappropriate. It was... merely uncommon. Could it possibly be a deep feeling of tenderness or desire for... her? What-the-hell was happening to him?! He didn't think that was an option for him to fall in... fidelity. Not ever. Peculiarly for her.

He shook his head, relieving his mind from the dangerous thoughts. That's not conceivable at all. But again, he looked at his raven-haired beauty. His? Once more, he shook his head. Emotions like that are forbidden, especially for a shinobi similar to him. Love wasn't a choice. By her being a relation to Itachi and having only one purpose in life; nothing of happiness should come to her, including love. She was just... a weapon. And it was a damn shame too. Plus, he didn't have affection for her, right? Not possibly.

Their purpose here was to only fulfill the duties they so called compromised to do; for the leader. And he didn't come here voluntarily, handing out his services like bread served on the table. More like he was forced to come here by Itachi. He did hold a grudge against the man for bringing him here without his consent but slowly the bitterness faded. Now he brought a little girl; his family.

How awful. For him to bring a young female here to get stirred up with the harsh fate. She didn't require this kind of doom. Even if her abilities were not natural compared to the others, she doesn't need to be caught up in this. However, she was one tough ass little girl to face against all the guys in the Akatsuki and to be trained by them. He didn't think she could put up with it, so that's where the kindness kicked in.

The faint snoring of a 12 year old filled his ears, killing his thoughts. 'She fell asleep.'

He sneered to the image. It is about time she slept in a more prosperous area. She was comfortable around him.

Carefully backing away and leaning down to pick up the girl, he gathered her sleeping form in his arms. Shortly after, the blonde-nin set her down delicately on his futon, for her to slumber and rest from another draining day. She needed it. Hell, she deserved something more fitting for all the things she's been through. Her childhood is cloudy, just like his... so that's how he could relate to her. Through childhood even if hers is still going.

He crouched down beside the bed to see her face but there was ebony strands falling downwardly. Celestially, he tucked the clouded traces of hair behind a ear and continued to narrow his teal eye on her small face; sealed eyes, parted lips for small breathes during her sleep. She was at harmony with herself, which made him... captivated on the inside. He never knew he had a soft side for this girl and was damn sure he wouldn't show it!

"Deidara-san."

The soft voice made him surprise. 'She's not sleep, huh?' He didn't reply back, thinking she had something more to say.

Her eyes did not open nor did she move, but only motivated her lips to speak.

"Aishiteru."

Shocked and astonished. She... she, loves him? And damn, she caught him in the perfect moment. There's no way he could respond to that. It's messed up but he can't admit his feelings to her; he was confused himself of his emotions. Feelings, they always get in the way.

The situation is already complicated enough. "Get some rest, yeah. Tomorrow is never promised." He stood up and walked towards the door, catching one last glimpse of her before he left to his own deeds.

Did he love her? Or not? He would found out when he was alone with his thoughts. There's just no way he could. Maybe a glass of sake would do justice for him. Alcohol would be the benefit of a stressful day and creating some work of a "bang" on a bitter teammate will make his mind clearer.

O.O

"There's so many, Deidara-san! We have to escape now!" She screamed, holding his hand.

He looked at the shinobi coming closer to them. There was too many to stay and fight but.. if she left; there would be a chance she could survive. Without him.

"I'll stay back. You go ahead."

The words weren't coming out right. He can't possibly do that! He'll.. he will. "But, you'll die! I'm not letting you die! I don't care if you promised to protect me. I order you to come!" She threw her head against his arm, clinging on to his hand tighter.

"Sorry, Yuuai-hime. But if we are together like this... there's no telling they'll kill you when my guard is down. If you go ahead, there's a chance you'll escape."

She wouldn't compromise. "Please, don't go... please, don't."

"Forgive me." The guardian freed himself of the hold of the young princess and charged at the shinobi.

She cried. Watching him battle against the enemies was dreadful and tragic.

He looked back at her. "Go, Yuuai-hime! Go!"

This time she listened to him. He was right. While the shinobi faced off against him, she had the chance to escape. But, still. He would die. She felt so useless and defenseless. There was nothing she could do but to run or die. Tears trickled.

"Goodbye, Deidara-san."

Turning around to run was the saddest thing she had to go through. Leaving her precious guardian behind, so she could escape. One last glance to see him, then took off. Knowing she will never see him again.

O.O

She shot up; gasping and panting. For Kami's sake that was one of the most terrible dreams she ever had... or nightmare was more she thought.

"Augh.. my head." She pressed her fingers on her frontal bone and squinted her eyes at the tiny but unpleasant feeling. The dream was.. unexpected and somehow strange. Why would she have a dream of him dying?

She shook the terrible imagination from her brain.'He's not dying. Not until I die.'

But to her discontent, the dream stayed. He fought for her and she fled like a hopeless chicken! Very cowardly of her... she's not that powerless and nowhere near it. That imagery was too bizarre.

Realization finally kicked into her head. She.. fell.. asleep. In his room, on his bed. How much time has passed?

Sitting on her knees to look out the window, she now noticed the stars in the sky, crickets chirping, midnight blue atmosphere; twilight.

"NANI?!!! OH CRAP! I WAS SLEEP FOR THAT LONG?!!" Yuuai talked loudly to herself. Must have been really tired to sleep for that prolonged time. It looked like midnight, judging through her crimson eyed view. Long day.

However, the futon was so cushy, and the aroma of her precious Deidara filled her nose. She nuzzled her small nose against the sheets. "Hmm... smells just like him." She sighed in bliss.

The time for her to go was about now; she didn't want to keep him up by taking over his bed. Although she would miss the softness of the futon. It's like a heaven of clouds for her, comparing it to the bedding she usually slept on.

Yuuai got out of the bed and headed toward the sliding shoji screen. That's when the owner of the room returned, bumping into the girl.

She bowed her head and apologized, knowing that she shouldn't have- considering that he always told her not to unless she hurt somewhere a little more "private".

He roughly grabbed her by the jaw line and looked at her piercingly with a sneer, begging to be form while lowering his lips down to hers. "I thought I told you NOT to apologize, yeah?"

His hot breath caressed her peach lips and the whiff of a drink crept into her nostrils. He was drinking sake. That would explain why there was sooo much contact, and manhandling of her. Blushing again, she was.

"Deidara-san. You've been drinking. Usually, you don't get this intoxicated?" She carefully explained to him.

Her words went through one ear and out the other.

"I think you should lay down for awhile until-" She was cut off by his words and intoxication.

He placed one finger on her lips. "You know... you talk too much for your own good. By then the enemy would have killed you, hmph."

'Why on this day? Did you have to drink yourself until you knocked your senses out the roof!' She huffed to thought. There better be a good cause for this or a foot would have been meeting some "members" today for a brief and beastly meeting.

"Deidara-san. You should really lay down before-"

He collapsed on her, losing all thoughts and balance.

She caught him in her arms, wrapping them around his frame and observing the side of his head in bewilderment. Soon, his weight became a burden. "Kami! Your... so.. heavy..." He appeared light and lean but holding him was a whole other situation.

'Deidara-san.' It is best for Deidara to rest for awhile, so Yuuai switched her position to help him over to the futon for him to rest.

The blonde nin was set gently on the bed. His head was all fused up by the effects of the sake. Perhaps, over drinking himself wasn't best.

O.O

"Do you want us to set out immediately to investigate the area Hokage-sama?"

He inhaled the smoke through his pipe, turning around to look at the guys who would do anything for him. "Yes, this could be serious. We do not know anything as of yet. However, if you and your two other teammates go now, we could find something out about these guys."

"Hai, Hokage-sama. I will take my team and go straightaway to find any possible information." With that last response, the Captain of a team consisting three members, which including herself, "poofed".